Homewood’s public works director John Schaefer will have some busy days ahead. In addition to his duties with public works, he temporarily will be filling the role of community development director until the village finds a permanent replacement for the position.
Bill Ernat resigned as Homewood’s community development director last week.
Village manager Mark Franz declined to comment Thursday on why Ernat resigned, saying it was a confidential personnel matter.
Ernat served as community development director for 14 years. His department also handled building, planning and zoning, economic development and property maintenance.
A search for a replacement is under way, and Franz said he hopes the position will be filled in the next three or four months.
“We will begin as soon as possible, and it will be a national search,” he said.
Franz said no decision has been made yet on whether the village will form a committee to look over final candidates and make a recommendation.
Schaefer was chosen as interim community development director because the building department was under the domain of public works until eight years ago, Franz said.
“It seemed like a good fit,” he said. “I’m expecting a seamless transition.”
Franz said while Schaefer works both positions, assistant public works director Joe Jakubowski will take on a larger role at public works.
“I expect (Schaefer) will delegate some of his responsibilities to Joe,” Franz said.
Ernat could not be reached for comment.
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